5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. (2 Peter 1:5–7, NKJV)
The “very reason” upon which Peter builds his case for spiritual growth is the “great and precious promises” we have been given. Christians have heeded the gospel call to be “partakers of the divine nature” by escaping the corruption of sin that is in the world (2 Pet. 1:4). Our redemption in Christ is no reason to ignore spiritual growth. Indeed, it is the very reason we are to give all diligence to add to our faith qualities of the divine nature: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. As our faith abounds in these traits of a strengthened faith, we become useful and fruitful in knowing Christ, and are given entrance into heaven (2 Pet. 1:8, 10-11). If we choose not to grow in faith, we lose our spiritual sight and forget our cleansing from past sins (2 Pet. 1:9). Thus, it may be said of heaven, if we will not grow, we will not go. Let us “be even more diligent” to make our calling and election sure by increasing our faith in the Lord (2 Pet. 1:10).
Sword Tips 